During a fundraiser in San Francisco, President Joe Biden sparked controversy with candid remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump’s comments regarding Alexey Navalny. Addressing attendees, Biden referred to Putin as “a crazy SOB” and criticized Trump’s comparison of his legal issues to Navalny’s persecution.

Biden’s remarks drew a swift response from the Kremlin, labeling them a “huge disgrace” for the United States. The president expressed disbelief at Trump’s comments, highlighting the stark difference in approach between him and his predecessor towards Russia and Navalny’s death.

In contrast to Biden’s stance, Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has refrained from condemning Russia or Putin for Navalny’s demise. Furthermore, Biden condemned Trump’s recent statements suggesting a reluctance to defend NATO countries from Russian aggression unless they meet defense spending criteria.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Biden’s comments as “rude” but emphasized their insignificance to Putin. However, he labeled them a “huge disgrace” for the United States, suggesting they reflect poorly on the nation’s leadership.

At the fundraiser, Biden also criticized Republicans in Congress, branding them as “worse” than historical figures like Strom Thurmond in terms of their commitment to democratic principles. He underscored the importance of the upcoming election, recounting how nine heads of state had urged him to win, citing concerns for their democracies if his opponent were to prevail.

The presence of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at one of the fundraisers underscored the political significance of the event. Biden’s remarks not only shed light on his foreign policy approach but also emphasized the broader ideological differences between the two major political parties in the United States.

The fundraiser provided a platform for Biden to articulate his vision for America’s role in the world and to rally support for his administration’s policies. Despite the controversy sparked by his comments, they underscored the president’s willingness to confront contentious issues head-on, both domestically and internationally.